Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of the epic Ramayana has been one of the most closely guarded film projects in recent years. However, the secrecy surrounding the film was briefly broken when pictures of Ranbir Kapoor dressed as Lord Rama surfaced online. The leaked images have since ignited a wave of debate across social media platforms, with many users questioning the look — particularly the wig — despite the film’s reported mega budget.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Look Surfaces Online
The images, first published by Zoom, appear to show Ranbir walking from the set to his vanity van during a shoot schedule. Dressed in a saffron dhoti and wearing a janeu, the actor’s upper body is partially covered with a dark cape. His long hair, seemingly styled with the help of a wig, completes the Lord Rama appearance.
While the exact date of the photos remains unclear, filming for Ramayana Part One has already wrapped, and production on the second installment is reportedly underway. The project, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is being mounted on a grand scale and is touted as one of the costliest Indian films ever made.
Social Media Reaction: Comparisons With Adipurush
Soon after the images went viral, users on Reddit and other platforms began scrutinising the look. A significant portion of the criticism targeted the wig, with several users questioning how a film reportedly budgeted between $400–500 million could fall short in styling authenticity.
The film is being produced by Namit Malhotra, who has previously stated in interviews that the two-part saga would collectively cost nearly half a billion dollars. That scale has raised audience expectations considerably.
Some netizens drew parallels with Adipurush, directed by Om Raut and starring Prabhas as Lord Rama. The 2023 film, which also featured Saif Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon, faced criticism for its heavy CGI usage and visual effects. Despite its scale, it reportedly earned around ₹350 crore worldwide and was widely regarded as a box-office disappointment.
Online users remarked that the makers of Ramayana appeared not to have learned from the backlash faced by Adipurush, particularly regarding visual authenticity and character presentation. Some fans questioned whether the final film would rely heavily on CGI, echoing concerns previously raised about epic adaptations.
Not All Reactions Negative
While criticism dominated much of the discussion, not everyone was dismissive. A section of fans urged caution, suggesting that leaked set photos may not accurately represent the final on-screen look. Many pointed out that lighting, post-production effects, and costume refinements could significantly enhance the character’s appearance in the official teaser or trailer.
Star-Studded Cast and Global Appeal
Apart from Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, Ramayana boasts an ensemble cast. Yash plays Ravana, Sai Pallavi portrays Sita, Sunny Deol takes on the role of Lord Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey plays Lakshman.
Adding to the film’s global scale is the collaboration between legendary composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, a partnership that has heightened international anticipation.
Produced under Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studio banner, the first glimpse of the film was unveiled last July. Ramayana Part One is slated for a worldwide theatrical release in October 2026, just ahead of Diwali.
With expectations sky-high and scrutiny intensifying even before promotional material is officially released, the makers now face the challenge of ensuring that the final product lives up to both its budget and audience sentiment.
